Trump-Zelenskiy rift threatens vital support for Kyiv

From US threats to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine to a diesel deal that could help Russia fund its war, it has been a damaging week for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington. Frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A disruption of US-provided satellite internet services raised fears that Ukraine could be vulnerable as it prepares for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Zelensky responded to Trump’s barbs with an unusually sharp series of public criticisms of Trump, suggesting the US was now favouring Russia. He said Ukraine would defy Trump’s demand to stop striking Russian energy targets, citing Russia’s continued attacks.

US President Donald Trump addresses an event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, the US on October 15, 2026. — Reuters Intensifying the discord, Trump waived key US Russia-related sanctions and tariffs on Friday, shortly before they were scheduled to take effect. That prompted Zelensky to say in a social media post that Trump’s action would encourage Russia to continue attacks on Ukraine. The widening rift has sparked concerns that Trump and Zelensky’s tumultuous relationship could lead to even worse outcomes for Kyiv. Trump could yet restrict the supply of weapons to Ukraine, follow through on threats to stop sharing battlefield intelligence, or strike more economic deals with Moscow. Despite Zelensky’s remarks, Kyiv wants to continue dialogue with Trump’s envoys, his friend Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, two Ukrainian officials familiar with the talks said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Denys Sienik,…